STOCKHOLM, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Shipping company Maersk

is evaluating contingency strategies in Canada, the

company said on Thursday after the country's two main freight

rail companies shut down their networks over a labour dispute.

The Danish company, one of the world's largest container

freight groups, said in an advisory to clients it was still

accepting bookings from and to origins and destinations serviced

by rail via Canadian ports.

"As we navigate the current situation affecting Canadian

rail services, we are actively monitoring the evolving

circumstances," it said.

"Our team is communicating with our rail partners and

evaluating contingency strategies as the situation develops."

Canadian National Railway ( CNI ) and Canadian Pacific

Kansas City ( CP ) locked out some 10,000 workers on Thursday

in an unprecedented stoppage that will grind railway freight in

the country to a halt and also affect the United States.